Various flash ramblings - New shoe... Metz & Yongnuo YN560II
Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2013 12:42 pm
Ok just an update on things my end. In case anyone is interested
I've also spoken to Intro 2020 (official UK service and support for Metz) about a few areas in the flash system.
I asked specifically about the new hot shoe ie multi interface shoe. Quite an interesting response on this.
Evidently it is "in the works" from Metz, but they have to license the shoe design from Sony (I was unaware of this) The support guy said it's not coming any time soon, but might turn up later next year if there are new models (ie new AF 58 AF-2 due an update) So currently all Metz flashes are using the i-iso hot shoe at the moment, none have been changed over.
I had a few questions about their flashes and he seemed knowledgeable to a keen to help.
For Analogue users the 58 AF-2 has full legacy support (at least on the shoe, can't confirm wireless with film bodies) I have the 50 AF-1 which in the shoe does have analogue support for the old TTL for film bodies, but you have to use the servo mode for wireless.
He pointed out the new Metz 52 AF-1 does not have legacy 35mm support (unlike the 50 AF-1), but you can use it in manual obviously. This new model does support Master mode though for digial, ie can control other flashes (the older model can't)
There is a segment missing in the 58 AF-2 manual (for Sony) but he was kind enough to open one up on the phone and it does indeed support the dumb "servo mode"
The new 52 AF-1 has an option for pre flash suppression on or off, and a learning function (pre flash suppression is on by default on the 50/58 models). He explained that the actual chip on this model is likely smaller (less capacity than the 58 AF-2) hence the dropping of support for analogue. It also has the new touch screen (not used one yet) and finer control for output on manual flash power.
If you're using analogue in some way/shape/form you are advised to stick to the 58 AF-2 or pick up a 50 AF-1 (discontinued now) and not the new 52 AF-1. For digital only users the 52 is quite an interesting model though it lacks some of the advanced areas on the 58 such as bracketing, secondary flash, and the built in thyristor A mode (which I can confirm works really well as I had that flash on Nikon)
I've also spoken to Intro 2020 (official UK service and support for Metz) about a few areas in the flash system.
I asked specifically about the new hot shoe ie multi interface shoe. Quite an interesting response on this.
Evidently it is "in the works" from Metz, but they have to license the shoe design from Sony (I was unaware of this) The support guy said it's not coming any time soon, but might turn up later next year if there are new models (ie new AF 58 AF-2 due an update) So currently all Metz flashes are using the i-iso hot shoe at the moment, none have been changed over.
I had a few questions about their flashes and he seemed knowledgeable to a keen to help.
For Analogue users the 58 AF-2 has full legacy support (at least on the shoe, can't confirm wireless with film bodies) I have the 50 AF-1 which in the shoe does have analogue support for the old TTL for film bodies, but you have to use the servo mode for wireless.
He pointed out the new Metz 52 AF-1 does not have legacy 35mm support (unlike the 50 AF-1), but you can use it in manual obviously. This new model does support Master mode though for digial, ie can control other flashes (the older model can't)
There is a segment missing in the 58 AF-2 manual (for Sony) but he was kind enough to open one up on the phone and it does indeed support the dumb "servo mode"
The new 52 AF-1 has an option for pre flash suppression on or off, and a learning function (pre flash suppression is on by default on the 50/58 models). He explained that the actual chip on this model is likely smaller (less capacity than the 58 AF-2) hence the dropping of support for analogue. It also has the new touch screen (not used one yet) and finer control for output on manual flash power.
If you're using analogue in some way/shape/form you are advised to stick to the 58 AF-2 or pick up a 50 AF-1 (discontinued now) and not the new 52 AF-1. For digital only users the 52 is quite an interesting model though it lacks some of the advanced areas on the 58 such as bracketing, secondary flash, and the built in thyristor A mode (which I can confirm works really well as I had that flash on Nikon)